Follow these tips to avoid toddler temper tantrums

My toddler has frequent temper tantrums, and it's impossible to calm him down once he gets going. I'd rather learn ways to head off his tantrums in the first place.

Though it may be hard to believe, tantrums can actually serve a purpose. My pediatrician colleagues here at Harvard Medical School tell me that tantrums are your child's way of letting you know that you're not meeting his basic needs for sleep, food, reassurance, independence, calm and safety. Provide these things, and he's less likely to fall on the floor wailing.

Here are some tips our pediatricians say should help: ...